Former FDA head to join J&J

Mark McClellan elected to pharma company’s board

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has elected the former head of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Dr Mark McClellan to its board.

Dr McClellan was FDA commissioner from 2002 to 2004 leading the government body's activities in regulating the pharma and food industries in the US. During this time, he implemented the Critical Path Initiative series of reforms to modernise pharma manufacturing.

He has additional senior experience in government, serving as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the US Department of Health and Human Services from 2004 to 2006. Prior to this he spent two decades in the public and academic research sectors.

He also served as a member of the President's Council of Economic Advisers and senior director for health care policy at the White House during the administration of George W Bush.

Alex Gorsky, chairman and CEO of J&J, commented on Dr McClellan's move from the public sector to a private healthcare firm.

“Dr McClellan has a distinguished record in the public sector as well as a deep understanding and vision for the future of health care,” he said. “Mark shares our aspiration to help people live longer, healthier and happier lives and personally is committed to improving health care across the globe.”

Unsurprisingly for someone with his background, Dr McClellan will serve on both J&J's regulatory, compliance and government affairs committee and its science, technology and sustainability committee.